The Phoenix Phutures flag team returned to competition in April hoping to continue their good start to the season. This time they would be the host team in a daunting lineup with the three teams who qualified for Britbowl from the Midlands Division in 2021.
After posting a 2 & 1 record the previous month, the Nix would start the day against the Nuneaton Jaguars who were much changed from last season's undefeated Midlands champions squad. Despite their lack of experience the Jaguars would put up good competition for the Nix, Tamworth’s returning QB Theo Stone threw a touchdown each to Jonte Hinton & Malachy McMahon to give them a slender halftime lead 13-6. The second half was similar, the Jaguars kept it close but another touchdown for McMahon and a debut touchdown catch for Oliver Manders guided the Phoenix to a 27-12 win.
Next up were last year's National finalists the Leicester Huntsmen, who had already beaten the Phoenix in the previous tournament. QB Stone would once again find reliable targets in McMahon & Hinton, hitting the duo for three touchdowns in a 31-19 defeat that was far more competitive than their previous match-up. This time the Huntsmen’s defense would prove the difference as they got themselves on the scoreboard twice.
The final match-up of the day was with the Houghton Bears, who after two big wins against Leicester & Nuneaton came into the game full of confidence. The Phoenix offense was up to the challenge though, as McMahon added three touchdowns catches, to give him seven on the day. Hinton scored on a long touchdown run but ultimately the Bears' excellent pass attack proved too much for the Phoenix defense. A 40-27 defeat dropped the Nix to 1-2 on the day and 3-3 at the halfway point of the season.
The Phoenix will now prepare for tournament three on May 28th at the home of the Birmingham Lions, still with an outside chance of reaching Britbowl as a wildcard team.